hymn

¹hymn

noun \ˈhim\

Definition of HYMN

1

a : a song of praise to God b : a metrical composition adapted for singing in a religious service

2

: a song of praise or joy

3

: something resembling a hymn : paean

— hymn·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of HYMN

1. sing a hymn of praise
2. <our Sunday church services always open with a hymn>

Origin of HYMN

Middle English ymne, from Old English ymen, from Latin hymnus song of praise, from Greek hymnos

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HYMN

Synonyms: anthem, canticle, carol, chorale, psalm, spiritual

Related Words: dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; Gloria Patri, hallelujah, paean; mass, oratorio; processional, recessional

Near Antonyms: censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof; admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue